The mayor says downtown Aurora is improving and gaining “momentum,” pointing to projects like the $60 million-plus Aurora Town Square and the Armoury as key to revitalization. Many of us don’t see it that way. Instead, homelessness is more visible, more cannabis stores are...

On most social media platforms, posts that receive a lot of Likes, Comments, and Shares are pushed higher and shown to more people because the algorithm sees that engagement as a sign of relevance. Shares and Comments usually carry more weight than Likes, and...

In some municipalities—Newmarket in particular—action speaks louder than words. York Region has pledged $30.2 million to build 288 affordable housing units, a development that rightly made headlines in “York Region grants $30.2M to build 288 affordable housing units.” Earlier this week, another story reported: “Charity...

The latest news, “Two Short Stories About Strong Mayor Powers,” is worth discussion. Unlike in Aurora, where the mayor chose to oppose the transitional housing project, the Peterborough example shows how strong mayor powers can enable efficient, outcome-focused decisions that may benefit the community,...

In some municipalities—Newmarket in particular—action speaks louder than words. York Region has pledged $30.2 million to build 288 affordable housing units, a development that rightly made headlines in “York Region grants $30.2M to build 288 affordable housing units.” Earlier this week, another story reported: “Charity...

The latest news, “Two Short Stories About Strong Mayor Powers,” is worth discussion. Unlike in Aurora, where the mayor chose to oppose the transitional housing project, the Peterborough example shows how strong mayor powers can enable efficient, outcome-focused decisions that may benefit the community,...

In the latest Auroran, Scott Johnston published a cartoon highlighting “Aurora given an ‘F’ grade for new housing starts.” Let’s be clear: it’s not Aurora that deserves the failing grade—it’s the Mayor of Aurora, Tom Mrakas, and his use of strong-mayor powers. Mayor Mrakas personally...

Council compensation is back in the spotlight in Aurora, set for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting on December 2, 2025. The town plans to re-establish the Council Compensation Committee and adopt new Terms of Reference, giving the committee a clear mandate....

The day began with the usual suspects: morning chores, the rush of routines, and the holy trinity of school, bank, and grocery store. On the way to drop-off, we spotted three Trumpeter swans gliding above St. John's Sideroad. As some would say—absolute poetry in motion....

Unpredictable weather and mild winters often shorten the outdoor skating season. While seasonal outdoor ice skating rinks provide a valuable recreational option, there is some concern about whether taxpayers are receiving the full value of their investment. Even those who skate regularly on public...

If you are curious about the sudden cancellation of last night’s General Committee meeting (January 16, 2024), here is why: a long deliberation on the three items in the Closed Session meeting until 8:40 pm. Two of the items were related to the over...

In the 2024 Mayor's budget, under the new Strong Mayor Powers, it is unusual that Mayor Mrakas included a part-time Sport Tourism Programmer position with a salary of $68,300. Did Mayor Mrakas even question the appropriateness of the salary for a part-time role before...

On the topic of strong mayor powers, the next item discussed at the Town of Aurora’s General Committee meeting on November 7, 2023 was the Procedure By-Law. During the discussion, Cllr Harold Kim commented on the strong mayor powers, stating, “this is a provincial...

Councillor Kim mistakenly voted yes in favor of Councillor Weese’s motion, “Aurora Council Opposition to Strong Mayor Powers in Aurora.” Recognizing the error, Cllr Weese generously agreed to reconsider the vote. On reconsideration, the motion passed 4–3, with Mayor Mrakas, Cllr Thompson, and Cllr...